Thursday, January 3, 2008

Train Holidays in India

Trains are the most popular means of transportation in India. Indian Railways, world’s second largest rail network operates several trains across India. Everyday thousands of people travel to various parts of the country by trains. Apart from superfast and mail trains, Indian Railways also operates luxurious trains that attract large number of people.

Palace on Wheels, Fairy Queen, Heritage on Wheels and Deccan Odyssey are the trains that provide you a royal treat while on wheels. Darajeeling Toy Train and Kalka-Shimla Toy Train connects the hill stations with plains. A joureny in these trains is once in a lifetime expereince and one should board these trains to experience a unforgettable journey.

Darjeeling Toy Train : Darjeeling is one of the most popular and beautiful hill stations of India. For reaching the hill station jeeps are available from nearby towns of Siliguri and New Jalapguri. However, if you want to experience the holiday at its best, then Darjeeling Toy Train is a good option for you. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway lovingly called as ‘Darjeeling Toy Train’ runs in between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling once in a day. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was constructed between 1879 and 1881 and was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. The stretch between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is 100 kms long and it passes through winding routes created by cutting the hills. So, board this train during you next trip to Darjeeling and enjoy a journey full of romance, fun and excitement. The lush tea gardens, small hamlets and beautiful snow-covered Himalayan peaks, add more to your pleasant experience.

Palace on Wheels : One of the world’s top ten luxury trains, Palace On Wheels is a luxurious mean of transport for the important cities of Rajasthan. Palace on Wheels runs on the Golden Triangle Ciruit of India covering the popular destinations of Delhi, Agra and popular cities of Rajasthan namely Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur.
The train leaves from Delhi and mostly travels at night, so you get plenty of time to explore the tourist destinations. Jaipur is the first halt of the train, from the pink city the train heads for other destinations of Rajasthan. After covering the cities of Rajasthan, the train reaches city of Agra and further heads towards its base Delhi.

Palace on Wheels is not just a train, in fact, it is the luxury on wheels, equipped with five star hotel facilites like spacious bedrooms with attached bathrooms, pantry, restaurants, bars and more. The train cabins are decorated like royal suites, adorned with the traditional Rajasthani art and architecture. The interiors of the train is laid down with exquisite furniture, motifs, chandeliers and carpets. You will really enjoy the journey and also get a royal feel.

Fairy Queen : Fairy Queen is a luxurious train running from the Delhi to Alwar city of Rajasthan. The train pulled by the oldest working engine in the world, built in 1855. Initially the train served Bengal (now West Bengal) and in 1908 the services came to a halt. However, in 1997 after a gap of 89 years the train once again ran over the tracks. Now Fairy Queen is a prestigious asses to the Indian railways and ply between Delhi Cantonment and Alwar. During the train journey you also get a chance to pay a visit to the famous Sariska National Park.


Heritage on Wheels : Heritage on Wheels is a luxury train running through some important tourists of Rajasthan. The train provides an opportunity to explore the various interesting tourist spots of Bikaner and Shekhawati regions. Your journey begins from the state capital Jaipur and passes through Bikaner, Gajner, Shekhawati and finally ends in Jaipur. Heritage On Wheels has been especillay designed to provide luxurious comfort and leisure with a bit of traditional Rajasthani touch. Heritage On Wheels is equipped with five star hotel facilities. the train has 14 saloons all furnished with the royal excellence and two restaurants that serve Continental and Rajasthani food.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train : Kalka Shimla Toy Train is as popular as the hill station of Shimla. The toy train was introduced by the British and is an ultimate triumph of contemporary style and serendipity over speed. Kalka Shimly Toy Train is the best way to reach Shimla from Kalka, the major station linked to other parts of the country. The train runs at a speed of 25 kms per hour and passes through lofty snow-capped peaks and tiny mountain streams gush and sparkle in the sunlight alongside. The toy train is once in a lifetime experience and it is not possible to define about the exciting journey in words. Better, while you visit Shimla, board the train at Kalka and enjoy the joureny of a lifetime.


Deccan Odyssey : One of India’s famous luxurious train, the Deccan Odyssey runs in the state of Maharashtra. A luxury-train, Deccan Odyssey is equipped all the luxurious comforts and and takes you on a memorable journey of a land bestowed with legions’ grandeur, picturesque beaches, imposing forts and palaces and colossal rocks. Deccan Odyssey travel only at night so that you can relax and visit the important destination during the daytime. The train leaves from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai and come back after a journey of one week covering the important destinations namely Jaigad, Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri, Sindhuburg, Tarkali, Sawantwadi, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad and Ajanta.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Had been to Darjeeling and the toy train journey was indeed nostalgic. It was also a welcome relief for me to get into something that perhaps served the communication of so many people. I was eagerly looking for other places in India where train journeys can be done and all the details were present here. Now I simply need to select a place and book a Holiday home for a second train experience.

ArealBuildingServices said...

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Eronn said...

Hi, Thanks for your such a nice blog.
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ramesh_lalwani said...

Nice blog here.I find you have used my photo of Fairy Queen without giving me due credit

India holiday packages said...

These toy trains are looking very, travel in the hilly areas with these trains is really a fantastic experience.